UPDATE: CCA Industries president, CEO Dunnan D. Edell dies

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — CCA Industries, a manufacturer of health and beauty aids, announced on Monday the sudden death of president and CEO Dunnan D. Edell.

The board of directors has asked David Edell, the former CEO and founder of the company, who retired at the end of 2011, to accept the position of CEO at this time.

The board also has appointed Stephen A. Heit as president in addition to his responsibilities as CFO. Heit previously served as president of AM Cosmetics, a consumer products company, and had experience calling on the same customers of CCA.

Drew Edell has been appointed COO, and also has been appointed by the board as a director of the company until the next annual meeting of the shareholders. Dunnan Edell also was a director of the company. All of the appointments are effective immediately.

"I am very grateful that David Edell has agreed to accept the position of CEO. This is a terrible time for David and his family, and I think it is admirable that despite his overwhelming grief over the sudden loss of his son he has agreed to help the company out, always keeping in mind the best interests of the shareholders," stated Stanley Kreitman, chairman of the board. "We also are grateful that Stephen Heit has accepted the position of president. Steve's previous experience will provide important continuity with our customers and employees. We have a strong core of staff that will enable CCA to continue during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dunnan's family, his father David, his brother Drew and their families."

"A long-time member of NACDS, Dunnan was actively engaged in the drug store industry. He was a well-liked and respected leader in the health and beauty care segment. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Edell Family during this time. He will be greatly missed," said Jim Whitman, SVP, member programs and services at NACDS, in a statement sent to Drug Store News.

The funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Funeral Chapel at 68 Old Short Hills Road in Livingston, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to either the North Shore Animal Shelter or the ASPCA.

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